Authored by: Lafayette College EGRS 451 (Cara Donleavey and Gabriella Lachapel)

Date: Spring 2012

Course Instructor: Professor Cohen

PDF Link: EGRS 451 SP’12 Analysis of Student Experience and Community Development (Prezi)

Abstract: This project’s main research question was: Is the relationship between student experience and community development, at the undergraduate level, sustainable? To address that question, the project examined clubs and groups of students at Lafayette College currently working toward some form of community development project. Most of the project’s information was obtained from interviews with the students and faculty participating in Engineers Without Borders (EWB), Sustainable Solutions (EGRS 480), Alternative School Break (ASB), and the Society of Environmental Engineers and Scientists (SEES). The project’s conclusion, summarized in the memo and accompanying Prezi presentation, was that student experience is valued more than the development of a community on our campus. To be sure, each of the interviewees had different views of this, and the outcome was not a negative one–student experience is of great value–but future projects could work to clarify from the outset what the primary group goals are.

Tags: EGRS 451, Spring 2012, Sustainability, Community Engagement, Engineers Without Borders, Alternative School Break, Society of Environmental Engineers and Scientists